Van de Ven Double Ends Everton's Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial defender to net two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods home two times in opening period

  • The home side's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had scored only one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

John Harrington
John Harrington

Elara Vance is a music journalist and culture critic with over a decade of experience covering the UK entertainment scene, known for her insightful interviews.